Michael Corinthos is a fictional character on General Hospital, an American soap opera on the ABC network. Introduced in 1997, the role was portrayed by several child actors—most notably Dylan Cash when the character was rapidly aged in 2002. In 2009, the character was aged again when Drew Garrett stepped into the role. Garrett was replaced by Chad Duell after one year with the series. The son of A. J. Quartermaine and Carly Corinthos, and adoptive son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, Michael is raised at the center of a bitter battle between the Quartermaine and Corinthos families. The character's most significant storylines include his accidental shooting of Kate Howard, his own shooting and waking from a coma, and being sent to prison for the murder of his stepmother Claudia Zacchara where he was raped. Most recently, the character has embraced his biological roots. Michael spent the majority of his life trying to emulate his adoptive father, but has since matured into a man in his own right. Casting and portrayals Born on-screen on December 29, 1997, the role was originated by child actors Blake and Dylan Hopkins. The twin actors were replaced by Tiarnan Cunningham in 2001, who stayed with the series until 2002. On March 28, 2002, Dylan Cash made his first appearance as Michael, aging the character and revising his birth year to 1995. After three years with the series, Cash signed a contract in April 2005. In March 2008, rumors began circulating that Cash's contract was about to expire and would not be renewed, and by April several sources confirmed the fact. BuddyTV reported that Cash was blindsided by his firing, and confirmed the series was considering aging the character. It was also rumored ABC was considering As the World Turns actor Jesse Lee Soffer for the role. Cash made his last appearance as a contract cast member on May 16, 2008, briefly reprising the role for one episode on December 29, 2008. Drew Garrett In March 2009, after months of speculation, it was confirmed by TV Guide that soap newcomer, Drew Garrett had been cast in the role and would make his debut on April 24, 2009. The casting of Garrett also confirmed the character's SORAS aging; Michael would now be seventeen, revising the character's birth year to 1991. Garrett revealed that he first auditioned for the role with Laura Wright, who portrayed Michael's mother,